100% Vermentino

Sourced from Ledbetter Family Vineyards in Lodi CA. Two sites: on the bench in rocky, well drained soils, as well as along the edge of the Mokelumne River in sandy alluvial soils.

The vineyards are farmed regeneratively (Certified Regenerative by A Greener World) without the use of glyphosates (RoundUp) or other pre- or post-emergents. In fact, AVIVO is one of just three American wine brands certified to be glyphosate-free.

Despite an early February budbreak, California experienced a relatively mild 2022. The warm autumn weather made for excellent phenolic ripeness. Yields were down slightly, and both berries and clusters were smaller, signaling greater concentration. A heat wave in September caused some scrambling to bring in early-ripening varieties, but fortunately for us, we picked our fruit ahead of the record temperatures.

The grapes were harvested on September 14, 2022.

The grapes were whole-cluster pressed to tank and cold settled overnight. The resulting juice was racked off heavy solids to tank and neutral barrels. Fermentations were 100% indigenous. The tank portion fermented at 62F to retain aromatics while the barrel fermentations were carried out without temp control to promote yeast autolysis for palate texture and complexity. To preserve acidity, malolactic fermentation was not allowed.

Aged in neutral French oak barrels and stainless steel for 9 months.

The finished wine was bottled in July 2023

Pale straw colored in the glass, the nose opens with notes of stone fruits, lemon custard, orange blossoms and flint. The palate is dense and bright with mouthwatering acidity. Flavors of hard lemon candies and white peaches dominate up front, with notes of lingering verbena and ginger on a delightful finish.